Managing Holiday Stress
Holidays are just around the corner and while this can be a fun and exciting time, it can also bring stress. Gatherings and gift giving can lead to extra demands on your time, attention, and finances. Here are some tips to help reduce and manage holiday stress to encourage more joy and connection.
Plan Ahead: One of the best ways to reduce stress around the holidays is to start early with planning to avoid last minute rushing. When planning gatherings or gifts it is important to set a budget to avoid extra financial stress. It can be helpful to make a list of tasks needed to pull off your plans. This can allow you to visualize the components and break tasks down into manageable steps.
Manage Expectations: Striving for perfection often creates the opposite effect and can lead to stress. Any hiccups in plans are workable and can provide future funny memories of the season. It is also important to learn to say no. One person can only handle so much and it is okay to set boundaries with family and friends, decline invitations, and delegate tasks.
Take Breaks: The holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint. In order to prevent burnout, set aside time for yourself to relax and recharge. This could be a short walk, meditation, or simply enjoying a quiet moment.
Maintain Healthy Habits: Sleep and nutrition often fall behind during the holidays. Balance treats with nutritious meals to maintain your energy levels and aim for a consistent sleep schedule to ensure you are rested. Physical activity is an excellent stress reliever. Find activities you enjoy, whether it's going for a walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym.
Practice Mindfulness: Stay present and focus on the current moment rather than worrying about past events or future plans. In moments of stress or overwhelm it can be helpful to practice a grounding mindfulness activity such as breathing, meditation, intentional movement, etc.
Prioritize what matters: Identify the traditions that are most important to you and focus on those. Traditions that cause stress can be put aside, and there is no need to “keep up with the Joneses” and practice traditions that are popular on social media.
Remember, the holidays are a time to enjoy the company of loved ones and celebrate, so prioritize activities and traditions that bring you joy. If stress becomes overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.
Gabbi Niemi, MSW, SWLC
References
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=av2118